Dog registration inspection program starting soon

Fraser Coast dog owners have been praised for their good behaviour with 21,899 dogs re-registered this year.

Cr Zane O’Keefe encouraged dog owners who were yet to register their dogs to do so as soon as possible.

“Having a dog can provide a lot of enjoyment and companionship but also comes with commitments and responsibilities, including ensuring they are registered every year as required under Queensland Government legislation,” he said.

“Council issued just over 21,000 dog registration notices in late September and about 2,000 owners are yet to respond.”

To ensure that the Council’s records are up to date the annual dog registration inspection program will start on 27 March 2023 and run through to the end of September.

The inspection program will start with the owners who have not returned their paperwork.

“Sometimes people get lost in the system because they move house, or unfortunately their pet passes away, and they forget to contact Council to update their details,” Cr O’Keefe said.

“If you have registered dog and didn’t receive a registration notification pleased contact Council as soon as you can so we can ensure your details are up to date.”

Council staff and contractors conducting the inspections will visit homes across the region between 7am and 5pm Monday to Saturday.

While officers hope to complete the inspection without having to enter a property, they do have power under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 to enter a property.

Cr O’Keefe said registering animals had benefits for owners.

“If an animal is found wandering or is taken to the pound, registered dogs can be reunited with their owners very quickly,” he said.

“It is harder to reunite dogs with their owners when they are unregistered or not microchipped, or the information on the microchip is out of date.

“It is important those details are kept up to date with Council and the group which holds your pet’s microchip data.

“And remember, if you have a new dog, registration is free the first time you register your animal in the Fraser Coast region.”

Dog registration fees help pay for animal management, training programs and provides for improved access to dog-friendly open spaces.”

Owners found with an unregistered dog are liable for the $287 fine, as well as the cost of registration.

If you have not reregistered you pet, or your pet’s details have changed, especially if it has passed away, please contact Council on 1300 79 49 29 and talk to a Customer Service Officer.

For more information, visit https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/animals-and-pets